Students continue Anderson University legacy

Tue, 2013-09-17 08:40 -- univcomm

September 17, 2013

A family’s Anderson University legacy sometimes goes beyond parents to grandparents, great-grandparents, or even further back. According to the Anderson University Alumni Office, 70 incoming freshmen last year had either one or both of their parents attend AU.

The Alumni Office is helpful in ensuring the legacy of AU continues in families. They do this by offering scholarships to students who come from legacy families. “Council members continue to contribute toward this fund, and an award is given every year to an incoming legacy freshman, which is renewable for all four years at AU as long as they maintain eligibility,” said Ben Davis, director of alumni relations.

[Photo: Some of Anderson University's legacy families.]

These multi-generational attendees create lifelong stories that can be told by current and past students.

A Legacy Continued

The Fox family’s AU legacy started many years ago. Dr. Jerry Fox, professor of management and global business studies, graduated from the university in 1979 with a degree in accounting.

Jerry was not the first of his family to attend AU. His grandfather came to Anderson College in 1919 and met his wife, who was working in Old Main. In 1960, Jerry’s mother and father also attended AU.

Years later, it became time for Jerry to choose a college, and he chose AU. He attended the university along with his brother, Dr. Tim Fox, who is currently co-chair of the Department of Modern Foreign Languages and a professor of Spanish at AU.

Jordan Fox, Jerry’s son, is currently attending AU, studying marketing with a focus on branding and promotion. Jordan did not choose to attend AU simply because his family did. “The Falls School of Business is an excellent program,” he said. Jordan’s sister, Kiely (Fox) Boone, also attended AU and graduated in 2012.

Sharing Valuable Memories

Levi Cromer is a current business student. His mother, Elyse Cromer, works in the Anderson University Alumni Office as the associate director of alumni and parent programming. Levi said his mother had some influence on him attending AU because she had enjoyed her time on campus and wanted him to have a great college experience also. “I knew all about AU even before I came here,” said Levi. His mother often shares her favorite memories with him. These stories include watching Cheap Thrills, attending football games, and bowling in Mocha Joe’s.

“I loved Cheap Thrills, and I loved going to football games,” said Elyse. Levi has been attending events around campus with his mom since he was just 6 years old.

Unexpected Tradition

Joshua Powell, 2013 music business grad, never thought he would follow in his parents’ footsteps. “It was when I visited campus at the behest of my cousin that I realized this was a place where the people were different,” said Joshua. “Other schools said, ‘You're lucky to be here,’ and AU said, ‘We're lucky to have you.’ My parents never weighed in on my decision. It just kind of happened as God opened doors.”

Joshua and his brother Jacob are the fourth generation of their family to attend AU. Joshua will not forget his AU heritage, especially due to his extensive campus involvement with Dativus, Dunn Hall RA staff, AU chapel, and the Office of Admissions. “I've loved my time at AU and will remember it fondly,” said Joshua.

— Anna Rayis is a senior from Columbus, Ohio, majoring in communication arts. Rayis is an associate with Fifth Street Communications®, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.